Monday, February 13, 2017

Art Advocacy Fabulous 5, and a Bonus!

Here's this week's 'Fabulous Five'!

1Plan a statewide postcard exchange with another school, or create artist trading cards to swap. Consider too ... a postcard campaign to state legislators about the value of art education, and combine that with a lesson on the First Amendment.

2Student-designed placemats and table tents can be used by local restaurants. Challenge older students in Graphic Design to choose an area establishment in need of a 'makeover' and design a new logo/menu/etc. Invite the owners, and any contacts you have in advertising, to choose the strongest design and discuss importance of branding to create market awareness.

3Start to hang student work of the week in the principal's office/main office area of your building and in the administrative offices (superintendent, etc). Add in the Standards, your Essential Question and student reflection, for a reminder of the importance of the art program to the school curriculum that cannot be ignored!

4Planning a YAM show? Select an 'honorary chairperson' from local, well-known artists, or 'local celebrities' who support the arts. Give them an honorary certificate and invite them to your show opening.

5Be sure your Media Advisories are out this week for any show in March - and that info is up on your school website, and community calendars at your local TV and radio stations.

🙌Bonus Idea!Approach local doctor's offices and medical facilities to hang student artwork in waiting rooms and public areas. Many are more than happy to give your space and welcome student work as a point of conversation for staff and patients!*Perhaps your students can even do artwork that relates to the area where it is being displayed. For example, I have a project that I do with my students that uses toothpaste as a resist for batik. What if I asked the dentist for a donation of toothpaste samples, and then displayed the finished work in her office? What a fun idea!